Session 130 - Treasures of the Wilds
General Summary
16th to 28th Nuzyael (first month of Spring) 723TR
The story so far
Acheron has undertaken a quest to recover the Shield of Saint Andrada, likely in possession of Clan Sherwyn in the distant Kingdom of Orbaal.
The first part of their journey is along the salt route to the Kingdom of Kaldor, stopping off at Trobridge Inn on the way.
The continuation of Session 128 - A Murder Solved.
Location - The Salt Route in the Thardic Republic.
Part 1 - Orcs Attack
It has been a busy day with the Heroes withstanding the onslaught of a demonic assassin. However that night their well deserved rest is interrupted by a large raiding party of Gargu-Hyeka, the common or brown Orcs from the Colony of Korego. The treacherous Foulspawn sneak up on the Heroes, attack them first with a hail of arrows, and then charge into the camp, attempting to pummel the surprised guards and sleeping characters.
Some of the Orcs are skillful warriors; nonetheless, once they were cut down, the morale of the remainder shatters, and the few survivors flee into the night. The Heroes capture one for interrogation. Realizing that they can't communicate, as Sabretooth can only speak white orc, a language completely different from brown orc, they decide to kill it.
Location - Outpost of Trobridge on the The Salt Route.
Part 2- The Cat in a Cage
The adventurers make to Trobridge Inn and temporary safely. The settlement has changed since their visit last year. Repairs have started on the bridge. The watchtower is occupied by a small contingent of Kaldoran Royal Knights, and "Lord" Kurzon Ondailis's guards on the Ford are no longer extorting travelers.
Asking around, Acheron learns that the Agrikians are waiting for the arrival of a small trade caravan, due in the next few days, and will join in on their trip to the Pamesani Arenas of the Thardic Republic. The Kaldorian Knights are displeased with the presence of the Agrikians and show their contempt. However, they are powerless to deal with them as Trobridge, although technically is a part of the Kingdom of Kaldor, it is considered a free trading post. The nature-loving Sabretooth is not happy at all and plots to free the Beast.
Part 3 - Rescue Attempt
After the hunters and the priests retire to the Inn for the night, leaving the two Order of Pameshlu warriors on guard. Sabretooth sneaks close to the cage and Speaks with the Animal. Unsurprisingly the Dracofelas is furious, and it wants freedom and to kill one of the guards, a callous brute who has been tormenting it for days. Sabretooth hides in the nearby trees while Avon expertly sneaks in and tries to pick the cage's lock. It is sturdy, well-crafted, and defies his considerable talents. Cursing as one of his lockpick breaks, he is forced to slink away. Time for plan B.
Sabretooth conjures a Fog Cloud around the cages and the guards and creeps in. The guards are used to fog in this time of year and are not immediately alarmed. Nevertheless, this changes when they hear the Cage's door being wrenched open by Sabretooth and the Dracofelas's triumphant and terrifying roar. It pounces on the stunned guards; however, they are experienced opponents trained to fight dangerous animals or worse in an Arena. Sabretooth used his Morivian Skin and takes on the form of a wolf, and joins the skirmish in the fog. Soon one of the guard's throat is ripped open, and with a roar of satisfaction, the Dracofelas picks up the dead man's corpse in his mouth and bounds happily away into the dark woods, closely followed by Sabretooth. Tonight's dinner.
A few minutes later, attracted by the commotion, the royal knights, hunters, and octagonal pit priests arrive. Clearly, pleased the beast has fled, with one of the Agrik worshipers, the royal knights withdraw after checking that the village is secure. The priests demand the hunters immediately start tracking the Dracofelas. Noting their initial hesitation, Acheron cunningly convinces them that it would be much safer and easier to do this after sun up. This gives the Dracofelas and Wolf/Sabretooth ample time to make their escape. Sabretooth spends the rest of the night with the appreciative Dracofelas and rejoins the party the next day.
The Heroes over the next week arrive at the City of Tashal in Kaldor without any major incidents. Here Acheron learns there is a new mission waiting for him. Bodies are missing from a nearby cemetery.
To be continued...
NPC Interactions
A Dracofelas.
Challenges Overcome
Defeated 20 Common Orcs.
Freed the Dracofelus.
Rewards
Sabretooth made a friend.
Created Content
Related Reports
Gargu-Hyeka, the Common or Brown Orc.
Player Character Status
Acheron - Human - L6 Paladin and L4 Warlock Disciple of Mendiz.
Sabretooth - Unique Ivashu - L6 Ivashu Lord Barbarian, L3 Monk, and L1 Druid.
Avon - Half-Elf - L10 Thief.
Avon
Acheron
Sabretooth
NPC Companions
Moneypenny
Avon's able assistant
Ringo
Sabretooth's Ivashu Companion.
Order of the Octagonal Pit
Priests and managers of the Gladiatorial Arenas.
Order of Pameshlu the Insatiable
Guards and animal trainers of the Gladiatorial Arenas.
Enchanted Item Used
Morivian Skin
Wondrous Item Very Rare (this item requires attunement)
Appearance:
A wolf pelt, somewhat tattered.
Properties:
Morivian skin exists for several medium-sized animals. As an action, a person can step into the enchanted skin, and the wearer assumes the form and physical attributes of the animal, similar to a druid's shape change. The user keeps his mental attributes.
The skins of nocturnal creatures work only at night and have no effect in daylight, and vice versa.
Quirks:
Some aspects of the animal's personality and that of previous users remain in the Skin. This can conflict with the user and potentially causing personality changes if it is worn multiple times.
After the first use, the user must make a Nature Check with the DC = 2 + the number of times the Skin has been used; otherwise, gains a personality change or psychological issues at the DMs discretion.
Charges:
4d6
Weight:
10 lbs
Here kitty, kitty, kitty....